Scrap wasteful projects to lower rail fares

Dr Richard Wellings appeared on BBC Radio 4’s PM show to debate the rise in cost of train fares. Given that the rail industry is very labour intensive, Dr Wellings argued that it was unlikely that the cost of rail tickets will follow a general inflation pattern.

A lot more can be done to reduce the cost of rail travel however, Dr Wellings argued. There is a hideously complex structure whereby different people own the tracks and the trains that sees costs trickle down to consumers. Dr Wellings suggested that scrapping wasteful projects such as HS2 and electrifying branch lines in South Wales would also go a long way to reducing the price of rail travel.